Apple has removed WhatsApp and Threads, two messaging apps owned by Meta (formerly Facebook), from its App Store in China. This follows a government order citing national security concerns, according to Reuters.

The apps were removed based on their national security concerns

Both WhatsApp, a popular end-to-end encrypted messaging app, and Threads, a newer social networking app, are no longer available for download on iPhones in China. While Apple confirmed the removal in a statement, details remain scarce. “The Cyberspace Administration of China ordered the removal of these apps from the China storefront based on their national security concerns,” Apple said. Meta declined to comment beyond referring inquiries to Apple.

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According to app tracking firms Qimai and AppMagic, this move extends beyond WhatsApp and Threads. Reports suggest that Signal and Telegram, two other messaging apps known for their focus on privacy, have also been removed from the Chinese App Store. While Apple hasn’t confirmed these additional removals, the AppleCensorship website, which tracks App Store changes in China, lists both Signal and Telegram as “disappeared.”

While Telegram hasn’t responded to inquiries about its iOS app status in China, Signal clarifies the situation. “Signal was already blocked in China by the country’s Great Firewall,” explains Signal president Meredith Whittaker. “While Signal may have been available to download in the past, Signal registrations and messages are apparently blocked.” This suggests that the App Store removal may have minimal impact, as users in China would still face hurdles to use the app even if downloaded. The extent of China’s recent crackdown on messaging apps remains unclear. However, it highlights the ongoing tension between national security concerns and user privacy, particularly for encrypted communication platforms.

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